Elite Man Caves

Elite Man Caves: Gary Clouse

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Take a tour of Gary Clouse's Bassmaster Elite Series Man Cave in Winchester, Tenn.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Take a tour of Gary Clouse's Bassmaster Elite Series Man Cave in Winchester, Tenn.
The President of Phoenix Boats has a unique Man Cave with an array of things he's gathered throughout his life. This is where he parks his tournament rig when he gets back from life on the road with the Elite Series.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - The President of Phoenix Boats has a unique Man Cave with an array of things he's gathered throughout his life. This is where he parks his tournament rig when he gets back from life on the road with the Elite Series.
His Toyota Tundra sits on one side.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - His Toyota Tundra sits on one side.
Meanwhile his Phoenix sits nearby tucked in his Man Cave garage.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Meanwhile his Phoenix sits nearby tucked in his Man Cave garage.
Clouse takes us through a few storage boxes in the back of his Tundra.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Clouse takes us through a few storage boxes in the back of his Tundra.
These boxes are necessary organizing tools for the travel the Elite Series pros face. Being prepared for any situation is key and Clouse is covered with these extra boxes.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - These boxes are necessary organizing tools for the travel the Elite Series pros face. Being prepared for any situation is key and Clouse is covered with these extra boxes.
Clouse has a Leer Locker pull down drawer as well for additional storage.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Clouse has a Leer Locker pull down drawer as well for additional storage.
Clouse is in his second year on the Bassmaster Elite Series and has been fishing Bassmaster events since 1981. He was honored to join the Elite Series and based on last name he was pictured beside one of his fishing heroes, Rick Clunn.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Clouse is in his second year on the Bassmaster Elite Series and has been fishing Bassmaster events since 1981. He was honored to join the Elite Series and based on last name he was pictured beside one of his fishing heroes, Rick Clunn.
Clouse has almost everything a tournament angler would want in their Man Cave including a major toolbox.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Clouse has almost everything a tournament angler would want in their Man Cave including a major toolbox.
He has multiple jacks for any project that comes up.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He has multiple jacks for any project that comes up.
Extra hitches as well.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Extra hitches as well.
On one side of his Man Cave are a few racks for storage.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - On one side of his Man Cave are a few racks for storage.
This makes it easier when Clouse packs for a tournament road trip. He can see every box he has and quickly transfer them to his truck or boat.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - This makes it easier when Clouse packs for a tournament road trip. He can see every box he has and quickly transfer them to his truck or boat.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
An old Toyota Texas Bass Classic sticker decorates one of the storage racks. The TTBC has changed over the years and is now the Bassmaster Texas Fest event where catch-weigh-release is implemented with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - An old Toyota Texas Bass Classic sticker decorates one of the storage racks. The TTBC has changed over the years and is now the Bassmaster Texas Fest event where catch-weigh-release is implemented with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
He has an assortment of St. Croix rods stored on the wall of his shop.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He has an assortment of St. Croix rods stored on the wall of his shop.
Some are brand new and some are backups that are needed in specific situations. Clouse also had a wide variety of rods and reels in his boat already.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Some are brand new and some are backups that are needed in specific situations. Clouse also had a wide variety of rods and reels in his boat already.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
Clouse holds up one of his pride and joys. There are always rods that mean something extra special and there are rod models that are an angler's go-to as well.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Clouse holds up one of his pride and joys. There are always rods that mean something extra special and there are rod models that are an angler's go-to as well.
Next to the rods is a giant peg board with an assortment of lures.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Next to the rods is a giant peg board with an assortment of lures.
He also has a work bench along that wall for tinkering and tackle prep. Here he will grab specific baits and load them into an empty box. Some are niche baits that only get used on certain lakes or specific times of year.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He also has a work bench along that wall for tinkering and tackle prep. Here he will grab specific baits and load them into an empty box. Some are niche baits that only get used on certain lakes or specific times of year.
This Zoom box isn't a worm box you would expect...
Photo: Ronnie Moore - This Zoom box isn't a worm box you would expect...
It's full of Zoom baits, but the old school crankbaits instead of the soft plastic worms.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - It's full of Zoom baits, but the old school crankbaits instead of the soft plastic worms.
He had a few more hanging on his peg board as well.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He had a few more hanging on his peg board as well.
A lot of history with these old crankbaits.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - A lot of history with these old crankbaits.
He had Elite angler Gerald Swindle sign this old school box of line.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He had Elite angler Gerald Swindle sign this old school box of line.
His assortment of iconic lures includes some Jerry Rago Swimbaits.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - His assortment of iconic lures includes some Jerry Rago Swimbaits.
An old school Baby 1- that Mike Iaconelli used in the 2003 Classic.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - An old school Baby 1- that Mike Iaconelli used in the 2003 Classic.
He has some white jigging spoons hanging up. Those are great winter lures and vertical baits when shad and other bait is present.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He has some white jigging spoons hanging up. Those are great winter lures and vertical baits when shad and other bait is present.
He has a bunch of spinnerbaits waiting to be created and altered.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He has a bunch of spinnerbaits waiting to be created and altered.
Clouse has storage underneath his work bench. That is where he keeps spare reels and other items.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Clouse has storage underneath his work bench. That is where he keeps spare reels and other items.
He has some great summertime crankbaits to be used when bass are deep.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He has some great summertime crankbaits to be used when bass are deep.
Clouse showed off a clear storage bin that he will use for small items when he is transferring baits from the work bench to the boat.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Clouse showed off a clear storage bin that he will use for small items when he is transferring baits from the work bench to the boat.
A little farther down the bench is a B.A.S.S. zipper bag, which he will keep soft plastics in.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - A little farther down the bench is a B.A.S.S. zipper bag, which he will keep soft plastics in.
Hanging in its package is an old school Bush Hog Top Hog Spinnerbait.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Hanging in its package is an old school Bush Hog Top Hog Spinnerbait.
Two spools of braid hang on a peg for easy access and spooling.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Two spools of braid hang on a peg for easy access and spooling.
Over the years a big spoon have played well in a few major tournaments, so Clouse has some at the ready when he wants to grab some.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Over the years a big spoon have played well in a few major tournaments, so Clouse has some at the ready when he wants to grab some.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
Some big Swimbaits and wake baits too, just in case.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Some big Swimbaits and wake baits too, just in case.
He has a replica mount of a peacock bass he caught.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He has a replica mount of a peacock bass he caught.
And some hunting finds as well.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - And some hunting finds as well.
On the other side of his Man Cave shop he has an old guitar hanging.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - On the other side of his Man Cave shop he has an old guitar hanging.
Clouse's good friend Stevie Ray Anderson signed the guitar as did other musicians at a fishing event in Nashville.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Clouse's good friend Stevie Ray Anderson signed the guitar as did other musicians at a fishing event in Nashville.
He has a NASCAR tire hanging in the shop from Rusty Wallace.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He has a NASCAR tire hanging in the shop from Rusty Wallace.
Along with the tire, he also has a rear bumper...
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Along with the tire, he also has a rear bumper...
And a framed uniform from Wallace's crew.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - And a framed uniform from Wallace's crew.
There are plenty of autographs to cap off his collection as well.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - There are plenty of autographs to cap off his collection as well.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
Clouse is also a big baseball fan and specifically a St. Louis Cardinals die-hard. He always has the red birds logo on his windshield each and every year.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Clouse is also a big baseball fan and specifically a St. Louis Cardinals die-hard. He always has the red birds logo on his windshield each and every year.
Clouse grew up in southern Missouri and listened to the Cardinals baseball broadcasts. There's a special place in Clouse's heart for those baseball games.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Clouse grew up in southern Missouri and listened to the Cardinals baseball broadcasts. There's a special place in Clouse's heart for those baseball games.
He has some old school movie posters around as well. This one is of Tombstone! He also has a TV hooked up to watch fishing while tinkering in the boat.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He has some old school movie posters around as well. This one is of Tombstone! He also has a TV hooked up to watch fishing while tinkering in the boat.
This photo is of Greg Hackney at the 2010 Bassmaster Classic. That was the first year a Phoenix was represented in the Classic and this launch photo is something tangible to remember it by.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - This photo is of Greg Hackney at the 2010 Bassmaster Classic. That was the first year a Phoenix was represented in the Classic and this launch photo is something tangible to remember it by.
There have been three Bassmaster Angler of the Year trophies won while running a Phoenix.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - There have been three Bassmaster Angler of the Year trophies won while running a Phoenix.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
He has a framed box of lures signed by Rick Clunn, one of his fishing heroes.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He has a framed box of lures signed by Rick Clunn, one of his fishing heroes.
Stacey King wrote this letter telling a story about this old school Pop-R.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Stacey King wrote this letter telling a story about this old school Pop-R.
Clouse got this at the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame silent auction.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Clouse got this at the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame silent auction.
King wrote the letter to give context about this lure. King, Clouse and Charlie Campbell traveled together and those three along with Kevin VanDam used to make and alter these custom Pop-R's.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - King wrote the letter to give context about this lure. King, Clouse and Charlie Campbell traveled together and those three along with Kevin VanDam used to make and alter these custom Pop-R's.
Clouse plans to create a shadow box display for this iconic lure and letter.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Clouse plans to create a shadow box display for this iconic lure and letter.
Here is a small replica the Phoenix Boats crew made for Clouse after starting the boat company.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Here is a small replica the Phoenix Boats crew made for Clouse after starting the boat company.
Clouse shows off his PAA Angler of the Year title from 2012.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Clouse shows off his PAA Angler of the Year title from 2012.
Clouse also kept most of his patches from tournaments.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Clouse also kept most of his patches from tournaments.
Clouse started fishing Bassmaster events in 1981 and back in the early days of competition anglers received patches for every event they competed in.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Clouse started fishing Bassmaster events in 1981 and back in the early days of competition anglers received patches for every event they competed in.
He has a signed Phoenix windshield from his peers.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He has a signed Phoenix windshield from his peers.
And a boat paddle littered with angler signatures.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - And a boat paddle littered with angler signatures.
He keeps some credentials hanging from past Classics and other events.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He keeps some credentials hanging from past Classics and other events.
The historical elements in Clouse's Man Cave are incredible, including an old school tournament jacket that hangs at the ready.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - The historical elements in Clouse's Man Cave are incredible, including an old school tournament jacket that hangs at the ready.
He enjoys this framed photo of Waylon Jennings meeting Jimmy Carter's wife, Rosalynn.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He enjoys this framed photo of Waylon Jennings meeting Jimmy Carter's wife, Rosalynn.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
Clouse has a childhood photo of Greg Strahm, Director of Design at Phoenix Boats. Strahm is pictured with his dad.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Clouse has a childhood photo of Greg Strahm, Director of Design at Phoenix Boats. Strahm is pictured with his dad.
Back over to the tackle portion of Clouse's Man Cave.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Back over to the tackle portion of Clouse's Man Cave.
Clouse has rolling rod storage units that are easily movable and can be positioned any way he wants while getting rods ready for an event or putting them away after a road trip.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Clouse has rolling rod storage units that are easily movable and can be positioned any way he wants while getting rods ready for an event or putting them away after a road trip.
Spinning rods can go on one side so he knows where those specific setups are.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Spinning rods can go on one side so he knows where those specific setups are.
You can see the versatility these mobile rod holders give him when laying out his tackle and equipment.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - You can see the versatility these mobile rod holders give him when laying out his tackle and equipment.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
We showed you a lot of Clouse's hard bait storage. Now we will show you where and how he stores his numerous boxes of soft plastics.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - We showed you a lot of Clouse's hard bait storage. Now we will show you where and how he stores his numerous boxes of soft plastics.
Clouse labels clear storage boxes with the bait types.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Clouse labels clear storage boxes with the bait types.
He stacks them near similar lures so the styles don't get mixed up. Here are his Gary Yamamoto Senko boxes.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He stacks them near similar lures so the styles don't get mixed up. Here are his Gary Yamamoto Senko boxes.
Some rods stay on the shelf until it's time.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Some rods stay on the shelf until it's time.
For Clouse, it's easier to hang all of his rods up to evaluate what he has and what he needs for a road trip. He can clearly see what topwater rods he has ready and other techniques.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - For Clouse, it's easier to hang all of his rods up to evaluate what he has and what he needs for a road trip. He can clearly see what topwater rods he has ready and other techniques.
He keeps some Bass Mafia Money Bags around to store clothing in so they stay dry.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He keeps some Bass Mafia Money Bags around to store clothing in so they stay dry.
I spy a spinnerbait box on his shelf mixed in with everything else.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - I spy a spinnerbait box on his shelf mixed in with everything else.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
Clouse got this fishing rod, typically for beginners, as a gag gift after making the Elite Series. Who knows, it may come in handy one day on the tour!
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Clouse got this fishing rod, typically for beginners, as a gag gift after making the Elite Series. Who knows, it may come in handy one day on the tour!
I found some more soft plastic boxes. You can tell these are some of his favorites based on the quantity.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - I found some more soft plastic boxes. You can tell these are some of his favorites based on the quantity.
Plenty of Zoom Brush Hogs in this bin.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Plenty of Zoom Brush Hogs in this bin.
I was tempted to ask Clouse if he could bathe in the Brush Hog packages, but I didn't want to dare him. A big scoop was good enough though.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - I was tempted to ask Clouse if he could bathe in the Brush Hog packages, but I didn't want to dare him. A big scoop was good enough though.
He has a scale on his work bench so he can be sure of the size of his weights for ultimate accuracy.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He has a scale on his work bench so he can be sure of the size of his weights for ultimate accuracy.
Clouse keeps a good inventory of certain baits he knows he will use. Back ups sit on the shelf, waiting to be called into duty.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Clouse keeps a good inventory of certain baits he knows he will use. Back ups sit on the shelf, waiting to be called into duty.
Off to the side are a few tackle boxes with classic lures. Some seem like keepsakes, others seem like players on a rainy day.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Off to the side are a few tackle boxes with classic lures. Some seem like keepsakes, others seem like players on a rainy day.
You can tell certain old school crankbaits live in a box when you look into their eyes.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - You can tell certain old school crankbaits live in a box when you look into their eyes.
Another old school lure with some modifications.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Another old school lure with some modifications.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
After a few minutes, Clouse wanders off to look through a box under one of his shelves.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - After a few minutes, Clouse wanders off to look through a box under one of his shelves.
A vintage PowerPak topwater frog!
Photo: Ronnie Moore - A vintage PowerPak topwater frog!
I look inside the box and find a Lake of the Ozarks paper map and some old school Creme worms.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - I look inside the box and find a Lake of the Ozarks paper map and some old school Creme worms.
Mint condition worms still in their original packaging.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Mint condition worms still in their original packaging.
Clouse also has a replica of the newspaper headlines the day Bonnie and Clyde were killed.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Clouse also has a replica of the newspaper headlines the day Bonnie and Clyde were killed.
A retro Zebco Cardinal spinning reel.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - A retro Zebco Cardinal spinning reel.
A topwater walking bait signed by the late great Charlie Campbell in July of 2000.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - A topwater walking bait signed by the late great Charlie Campbell in July of 2000.
This topwater walking bait was actually wrapped in snake skin!
Photo: Ronnie Moore - This topwater walking bait was actually wrapped in snake skin!
Clouse has an old wooden duck carving on his work bench as well.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Clouse has an old wooden duck carving on his work bench as well.
The Book of the Black Bass.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - The Book of the Black Bass.
He brings out an old Humminbird flasher. Made in Eufaula, Alabama.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He brings out an old Humminbird flasher. Made in Eufaula, Alabama.
He kept a Bass Fishing Hall of Fame induction pamphlet and had Harold Allen and Stacey King sign it in 2015.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He kept a Bass Fishing Hall of Fame induction pamphlet and had Harold Allen and Stacey King sign it in 2015.
I asked Clouse what was going on over here. He has two Lowrance graphs hooked up together. This is where he goes through old waypoints and data and transfers it when he needs to and puts it on another graph if needed. Pretty neat setup.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - I asked Clouse what was going on over here. He has two Lowrance graphs hooked up together. This is where he goes through old waypoints and data and transfers it when he needs to and puts it on another graph if needed. Pretty neat setup.
After taking the full tour of Gary Clouse's Man Cave we headed over to the Phoenix Boats plant to check out what was going on there during a rainy Saturday.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - After taking the full tour of Gary Clouse's Man Cave we headed over to the Phoenix Boats plant to check out what was going on there during a rainy Saturday.
Boats were sitting and waiting in all stages of production. Some ready for the final touch ups. Others needed graphs and accessories.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Boats were sitting and waiting in all stages of production. Some ready for the final touch ups. Others needed graphs and accessories.
This was his Clouse's personal boat for the 2020 season getting rigged and ready in the production line (shot before the season started).
Photo: Ronnie Moore - This was his Clouse's personal boat for the 2020 season getting rigged and ready in the production line (shot before the season started).
He showed me around his boat and what advancements Phoenix was making for mounts and other things.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He showed me around his boat and what advancements Phoenix was making for mounts and other things.
He showed me how they altered the bow mounts for anglers who want two graphs up front. Instead of a flat plate, there is a tiered setup so the graphs are more stable.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He showed me how they altered the bow mounts for anglers who want two graphs up front. Instead of a flat plate, there is a tiered setup so the graphs are more stable.
Instead of trim switches that go up and down, they now incorporate buttons that go in and out.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Instead of trim switches that go up and down, they now incorporate buttons that go in and out.
The center box is probably the most important storage for anglers. How they store their baits is crucial. Being a top-level angler himself, Clouse listens to his team of anglers and makes adjustments when needed.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - The center box is probably the most important storage for anglers. How they store their baits is crucial. Being a top-level angler himself, Clouse listens to his team of anglers and makes adjustments when needed.
The clean setup at the console.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - The clean setup at the console.
After checking out some boats near the finish line, Clouse took me through the rest of the production line. These are boats getting pieced together waiting for certain elements.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - After checking out some boats near the finish line, Clouse took me through the rest of the production line. These are boats getting pieced together waiting for certain elements.
Then where the hull and top cap are created.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Then where the hull and top cap are created.
All Phoenix Boats are made in Winchester, Tennessee.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - All Phoenix Boats are made in Winchester, Tennessee.
The Phoenix Boats factory sits just down the road from Clouse's home and Man Cave. Thanks for the thorough tour, Gary!
Photo: Ronnie Moore - The Phoenix Boats factory sits just down the road from Clouse's home and Man Cave. Thanks for the thorough tour, Gary!